cary999

Agree with CB, a week of self drive will exhaust you. That is what we did in Kruger in Sep of 2009, 6 days of mostly driving, about 10 hours a day was too much. If you are going to drive that much 3-4 days is about right. Then go to a private reserve camp and let them do everything for you .

regards - tom

threedogs

Well we are going to Kruger again in August for 22 days - all in the park, all self-drive. After spending way too much time on the SANParks forums I realise there are lots and lots of people who do the same! Have done the private reserve thing and it was great but once was enough. For a first trip then definitely a mix of both would be the ideal.

cary999

Wow 3dogs, fascinating, 22 days. Which camps? Are you resident of SA? Do you have your own car or will you rent/hire one? Any area, any thing, any activity that you particularly like to see and do? I'm looking for ideas for our next time. Which could even be this May.

regards - tom

threedogs

We fly to Phalaborwa and start from there. pick up car at the airport (one of the most charming you will find anywhere) and then stock up at Spar just a km from the gate and then head in to the park. For this trip we are going to:
Shimuwini
Shingwedzi
Punda Maria
Shipandani Hide
Letaba
Satara
Lower Sabie
Tamboti
in that order. Then back out at Phalaborwa. We are not South African residents, just obsessed Australians! This time to keep costs down we have booked some of the huts and tents without kitchens. So we are bringing some 'camping' stuff to help self-cater in the communal kitchens.
We have hired with aroundaboutcars in the past who were terrific but this time we have booked with Carhire3000 who have good reviews and excellent prices.
In the park we spend a LOT of time game driving - from first thing at gate opening then usually head back to camp at about 11am if we are not moving to next camp. Relax for a bit then head out mid afternoon til gate closing. I think we will try to plan more drives this time around stopping for lunch at one of the terrific picnic spots and relaxing there and then heading on again. We also love to book a morning game walk. Have done these at Shimuwini and Shingwedzi. Both were excellent and I highly recommend it. Not as keen on doing the camp game drives, however having said that the sunset drives can be terrific. My strategy is to ask at the office mid afternoon how many people are booked on the drive. If none or very few, we book it. This has worked well from the less busy camps. Any other questions please ask.